International Women’s Day: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Soccer

By: Jared Lenton 

Published: March 06, 2026

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta welcomed more than 300 members of Atlanta’s business, civic, and diplomatic communities on March 6 for its annual International Women’s Day celebration, presented by Bank of America with additional support from UPS. This year’s program, featuring two‑time FIFA World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Kelley O’Hara, was held at the Mercedes‑Benz Club at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. 

Opening Remarks and Context for the Day 

Council President Rickey Bevington opened the morning by reflecting on the global significance of International Women’s Day and its alignment with the Council’s mission to equip Atlantans with world‑class knowledge and international perspective. She underscored how sport—and women’s sport in particular—plays a powerful role in shaping global conversations on leadership, representation, and equity. 

Guests were then welcomed by Tarena Smith, Vice President of Major Events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. Smith shared the story of how the stadium opened in 2017 as one of the most innovative sports venues in the world, highlighting its industry‑leading sustainability achievements, including its LEED Platinum certification. She also noted the excitement for Atlanta’s role as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, describing the opportunities ahead for global engagement, economic impact, and international visibility. 

Following Smith’s remarks, Terri Block, Atlanta Market Executive at Bank of America, addressed the audience on behalf of the Presenting Sponsor. Block spoke about Bank of America’s long‑standing commitment to advancing economic mobility and gender equity, emphasizing why International Women’s Day is a meaningful moment for the organization. She also shared Bank of America’s pride in being the Official Bank of FIFA World Cup 2026 and its focus on supporting global events that bring communities together and create lasting positive impact. 

A Conversation with Kelley O’Hara 

Bevington then moderated a fireside chat with Kelley O’Hara, whose career has spanned championship‑winning World Cups, Olympic competitions, two National Women’s Soccer League titles, and influential roles in media and advocacy. 

O’Hara reflected on the leadership lessons shaped over 15 years of elite athletic competition. She emphasized that clarity of purpose—knowing the goal and aligning daily actions toward it—is at the core of high‑performance leadership. She described leading by example as her guiding philosophy, sharing that her influence came not from titles, but from consistent effort, preparation, and accountability. 

Discussing her experiences navigating position changes, recovering from injury, and advocating for pay equity, O’Hara highlighted how adversity became a foundation for empathy and resilience. “Leadership starts with how you show up—your preparation, your tone, your energy,” she noted. 

Now retired from professional play, O’Hara shared that she enters her next “rookie” chapter with a renewed sense of curiosity and ambition. She emphasized that the values cultivated in sport—teamwork, discipline, and long‑term focus—are universal qualities that empower leaders in every field, especially in today’s globally connected world. 

Connecting Local Leadership to a Global Moment 

Bevington closed the conversation by noting how Atlanta’s role as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city presents a unique opportunity to elevate the region’s global presence. She emphasized that global sporting events create shared spaces for diplomacy and cultural exchange—aligning directly with the Council’s mission. 

The Council is honored to recognize Bank of America as Presenting Sponsor of International Women’s Day and expresses gratitude to UPS for its generous support. 

Selected Insights from Kelley O’Hara 

• “To achieve anything significant, you need a clear goal. It focuses the work you do every single day.” 

• “The most important thing I’ve learned is the power of a collective. If you want to change something, bring people together.” 

• “The way I’ve led is through action and example. I always ask myself, ‘What can I do better?” 

• “As a leader, you set the energy the moment you walk into a room.” 

• “To be successful in any environment, egos have to be checked at the door.” 

View the event photo gallery here. Flickr

Join Us for the Next Event in the Series  

The Council’s World Cup in Atlanta series continues with a conversation featuring JT Batson, CEO of U.S. Soccer on Monday, April 27. We invite you to join us as we explore the future of the global game, the evolution of soccer in the United States, and Atlanta’s growing leadership on the world stage. Learn more and register to attend.